Understanding Nerve Growth in Pain Conditions
Study of Activity-Dependent Sympathetic Sprouting
This research explores how nerve growth and immune responses contribute to persistent pain, especially in conditions like CRPS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118983 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that the sympathetic nervous system plays a role in pain and inflammation, and blocking it can help with neuropathic pain like CRPS. Our past work has shown that active nerve regeneration and immune responses are key to persistent pain. This project explores how nerve growth and its interactions with sensory nerves and immune cells contribute to pain. We are also looking at how removing a nearby lymph node might reverse these pain-related processes, suggesting new ways to manage chronic pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients experiencing chronic neuropathic pain, such as CRPS, might eventually benefit from treatments developed from this understanding.
Not a fit: Patients with pain not related to nerve injury or sympathetic nervous system activity may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new ways to manage chronic neuropathic pain by targeting nerve growth and immune responses.
How similar studies have performed: A recent clinical study using a catheter for sympathetic blockade showed promising results for intractable neuropathic pain, suggesting related approaches can be effective.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jun-Ming — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jun-Ming
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.